“Well,” I said shortly, “do you choose to answer, or die?”
“Two.”
“On the other bank?”
“None.”
Standing thus, covering him with the gun, and marking his slightest movement, I thought quickly. Years of danger teach concentrated thought, prompt decision, and I soon chose my course. To kill in battle is soldierly, but, if possible to avoid it, there should be no killing here.
“Lieutenant,” I said, speaking low, but in a tone which left no doubt as to my exact meaning, “I am an escaped prisoner, and shall not hesitate to kill rather than be recaptured. It is your life or mine to-night, and I naturally prefer my own; but I'll give you one chance, and only one—obey my orders and I will leave you here unhurt: disobey, and your life is not worth the snap of a finger. Move back now until you face the door, and don't forget my pistol is within an inch of your ear, and this is a hair trigger. What is your sergeant's name?”
“Handley.”
“Order him to take ten men on foot one hundred yards west on the pike, and wait further orders.”
The lieutenant twisted his head about and looked at me, his eyes stubborn with anger.
“If you have a wife up North, and care anything about seeing her again,” I said coolly, “you will do exactly as I say.”